Turkey’s defense industry is making a name for itself on the global aviation stage with its domestic engine technologies. Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with the TEI-PD170 engine continue to achieve significant success both domestically and internationally.
A Strategic Step to Reduce Dependency
Turkey has launched critical projects to eliminate dependence on foreign sources for engine technologies essential to UAVs. Within this framework, TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) initiated the Operational UAV Engine Development Project in 2012 under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries.
The project’s most significant achievement was the development of the TEI-PD170 engine, produced entirely using domestic and national resources. The first ignition was completed on January 30, 2017, and the first flight was successfully conducted on December 27, 2018, using the ANKA platform.
Key Features of the TEI-PD170 Engine
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: Operates at 170 horsepower without power loss at 20,000 feet.
- Ceiling Altitude: 45,000 feet.
- High-Altitude Performance: Record altitude of 36,310 feet.
- Flight Duration: 45 hours of continuous flight with AKSUNGUR.
- Advanced Technology: Dual-stage turbocharging system and proprietary control software.
- Durability: High reliability meeting civil aviation standards.
Successes Achieved with the Domestic Engine
- ANKA: Conducted its first flight at -10°C with the TEI-PD170 engine.
- AKSUNGUR: Its flight on October 4, 2021, further validated the engine’s reliability.
- Bayraktar TB3: Began flights in 2023, completing 823 flight hours.
UAVs powered by the domestic engine have accumulated over 2,000 total flight hours.
Global Interest and First Export
The TEI-PD170 has garnered attention not only in Turkey but also internationally. Following its first export in early 2024, discussions with other countries are ongoing. The domestic engine aims to provide both strategic and economic contributions to Turkey’s defense industry.
The New Symbol of Turkey’s UAV Power
The TEI-PD170 stands out as a testament to Turkey’s domestic and national production capabilities in the defense industry. With this engine, Turkey has reduced its dependence on foreign sources in UAV technology, gaining a strong advantage both on the field and economically.
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